The Federal Government of Nigeria has reinstated Professor Joseph Ikechebelu as Acting Vice-chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka.
This followed the nullification of Dr Benard Odoh’s appointment as Vice-chancellor by the Governing Council led by Amb Greg Mbadiwe that has been dissolved by the federal government.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThis was made known in a letter signed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, dated 20th November 2024 and addressed to Professor Ikechebelu.
The letter was also copied to all members of the University Senate and the Acting Registrar.
According to the letter, the Permanent Secretary directed Professor Ikechebelu to resume office as acting Vice-chancellor with immediate effect and take charge of the University administration.
The Permanent Secretary further stated that henceforth any matter that requires the approval of the University governing council should be directed to the Minister of Education, pending the reconstitution of a new governing council.
The letter reads: “Sequel to the approval of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR vide letter Ref: PRES/84/EDU/10 dated 18th November, 2024 nullifying the appointment of Prof. Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University who was illegally appointed by the dissolved 10th Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, I am pleased to convey the approval of the Honourable Minister to reinstate you as the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University with immediate effect.
“Consequently, you are directed to take charge of the administration of the University.
“Take note that henceforth any matter that requires the approval of the Governing Council shall be forwarded to the Honourable Minister of Education for his consideration and approval pending the re-constitution of a new Governing Council fort the University by Mr. President.”
Prime Business Africa had reported on Wednesday that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Education announced the dissolution of the governing council of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University and also removal of Dr Bernard Odoh who it said was illegally appointed by the council.
The action followed the crisis that erupted in the University community as stakeholders kicked against the appointment pointing out that due process was not followed by the council.
It would be recalled that Ikechebelu, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, took over as acting Vice-chancellor in June, from Professor Charles Esimone, whose tenure as sixth substantive Vice-chancellor expired.
The council, after it was constituted by the Federal Government, removed Ikechebelu from office and appointed Professor Carol Arinze-Umobi as acting Vice-chancellor two months later.
Subsequently, the council appointed Odoh as substantive VC which the Federal Government nullified because due process was not followed.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
